Bechtlesville man charged with reckless driving after running from police

COLEBROOKDALE — Officers arrested a man after he led them on a chase down dirt roads on Jan. 18, police said.

Michael Greenman, 52, of Bechtelsville, was driving his green Ford F150 with a broken tail light when police pulled him over on Indian Lane around 1 p.m., police said.

According to police, Greenman pulled into a half-mile long driveway in the 100 block of Indian Lane. He was instructed by officers to leave the driveway and pull into the street, police said.

When police spoke with Greenman, he was begging them to let him go so he could see his daughter. After the officer pulled out of the driveway, Greenman pulled into another driveway and began speeding, police said. Greenman pulled off the paved driveway and onto a dirt road that had “no trespassing” signs posted, police said.

Advertisement

The officer watched as Greenman’s truck swerved off the road, crashed through brush and stopped in a ditch, police said. Greenman exited the car and started running, police said.

According to police, the officer told Greenman if he did not stop, a stun gun would be deployed. Greenman took a few more steps, then voluntarily laid down on his stomach, police said.

When the officer took Greenman into custody, he told them he ran because there were warrants for his arrest, police said.

During a search of Greenman, officers found three lighters, two packs of cigarettes, a knife, $66, and a wallet. Inside the wallet, police found marijuana.

Officers also searched Greenman’s truck and found a clear tube shaped into a pipe with tin foil on the end and more marijuana, police said.

At the station, officers discovered Greenman’s license was suspended after multiple driving under the influence charges, police said.

The truck was pulled from the ditch by Gilbertville Towing.

He was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude an officer, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, and driving with no headlights.

Greenman was arraigned by District Judge Paul Hadzick who set bail at $25,000. Greenman is expected in front of District Judge Michael G. Hartman on Jan. 29 at 1:30 p.m. He is confined to Berks County Prison in lieu of bail.

About the Author

Caroline Sweeney formerly worked as the police reporter for the Pottstown Mercury. She is no longer on staff. If you wish to contact anyone at The Mercury about her stories, please call our main number at 610-323-3000 and ask for the editorial department. Reach the author at csweeney@pottsmerc.com
.